First Snowstorm of the Season Expected to Hit Saturday: Winter Weather Advisories Issued for Entire State
The latest runs of the GFS and NAM models are coming into better agreement that a moderate snowstorm will impact our area tomorrowand tomorrow night. An area of low pressure currently located over northern Florida is forecast to move northeast during the next 12 - 18 hours and re-develop off the North Carolina coast Saturday morning around daybreak. The low pressure system is then forecast to slowly intensify as the storm moves northeast and passes to the east of Cape Cod Saturday night. The following forecast is based on a blend of the GFS and NAM models:
Saturday Morning: Light snow is forecast to begin around 6:00 AM at the southeast CT coast and spread to the northwest into the Hartford area by 9:00 AM and into the NW hills by 11:00 AM. The snow is forecast to become moderate at times by 11:00 AM with a minor impact on morning travel.
Saturday Afternoon: Moderate snow falling across most of the state with accumulations of a few inches on most roadways by late afternoon. Some sleet or rain may mix in briefly at the southeast CT coast by late afternoon. A minor to moderate impact is expected on travel with highs in the low 30’s.
Saturday Evening and Overnight: Moderate snow during the evening is forecast to taper off to light snow by 9:00 PM. A moderate impact on evening travel is expected with snow covered roads in many towns. Light snow is expected to continue overnight with lows in the upper 20’s. The snow is forecast to end before daybreak Sunday morning. Total accumulations are forecast to range from 2” – 4” in the NW Hills, 4” – 6” across most of the rest of the state with isolated amounts over 7” in the Northeast Hills.The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will continue to monitor the latest forecasts. The next update on this storm will be sent out at 10:00 AM Saturday morning or sooner in the unlikely event that winter storm warnings are issued.